Germany passes law allowing doctors to aid some patients in dying

Associated Press

Published 3:51 pm, Friday, November 6, 2015

Photo: Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert, Associated Press

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German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends a session of the German parliament Bundestag where lawmakers are debating a range of proposals to regulate assisted suicide in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Nov. 6, 2015. Merkel supports a middle-of-the-road version, proposing up to three years in jail for anyone who offers suicide to someone else "on business terms." (Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert/dpa via AP) less

German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends a session of the German parliament Bundestag where lawmakers are debating a range of proposals to regulate assisted suicide in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Nov. 6, 2015. ... more

Photo: Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert, Associated Press

Germany passes law allowing doctors to aid some patients in dying

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BERLIN — German lawmakers passed a bill Friday allowing assisted dying for “altruistic motives” but banning the practice in cases where it is being conducted on a “business” basis.

The issue is a particularly sensitive topic in a country where the last time euthanasia was part of public policy it was used by the Nazis to kill more than 200,000 people with physical and mental disabilities.

Lawmakers voted 360-233 in favor, despite fears voiced by many that it could lead to charges against doctors. The measure allows the assistance on an “individual basis out of altruistic motives” but threatens up to three years in jail for anyone who offers aid to someone else “on business terms.”